From Superhero to Storyteller: Scarlett Johansson Debuts ‘Eleanor the Great’ at Cannes

Scarlett Johansson, best known for her iconic role as Natasha Romanoff in Marvel’s Avengers franchise, is officially stepping behind the camera. The Hollywood A-lister will make her directorial debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, premiering her first feature film Eleanor the Great, a drama that has already sparked buzz in the international film circuit, as covered by The Hollywood Reporter.

The film centers on a 90-year-old woman from Florida who, after a major life shift, forms an unexpected friendship with a 19-year-old student in New York City. The cast includes legendary actress June Squibb in the lead role, alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jessica Hecht, and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier's Erin Kellyman. The project marks a personal passion for Johansson, who is also producing the film under her production company These Pictures. 

Johansson is no stranger to the Cannes spotlight, having attended the festival multiple times throughout her career. But this time, her role is different—behind the lens, crafting a story she hopes will leave a lasting impact. The film joins a growing trend of actors-turned-directors making bold statements at major festivals, and Johansson’s name brings serious star power.  

Eleanor the Great is expected to be one of the most talked-about films at Cannes 2025.

But will Johansson's directorial debut live up to the high expectations? Only time will tell. For fans eager to see a new side of Johansson’s creative vision, Cannes will be the first look at how the Marvel star handles the director’s chair. Keep an eye on the official Cannes lineup to see when Eleanor the Great will screen.